BATON ROUGE - After a few days off the radar as the city and region contended with Mother Nature, LSU coach Les Miles was back in front of a microphone Thursday night at his Hurricane Isaac-delayed weekly radio show at TJ Ribs.

Associated PressLSU coach Les Miles: Upbeat on Thursday as he fielded calls during his radio show in preparation of the No. 3-ranked Tigers' season opener against North Texas (6 p.m./ESPNU) Saturday.

Miles was upbeat as he fielded questions from long-time radio man Jim Hawthorne, likely a reaction to news earlier in the day that the Tigers' season opener against North Texas on Saturday will go on as scheduled.

Here are some notes and quotes from Miles' final public appearance before Saturday's 6 p.m. kickoff at Tiger Stadium.

On the decision to play the game as scheduled Saturday: "It allows us to put the storm in the rearview (mirror) and go to Tiger Stadium to fight for victory." He later said "getting back to football is exactly the medicine his team needs."

On the North Texas offense: "They have weapons. ... Very capable on offense."

Asked if the plan was to whip North Texas (Laughing) "The goal, obviously, is to whip everybody we play."

On if the offensive game plans will feature more passing this season: "I think balance and mix is the right thing. I think (quarterback Zach Mettenberger) will give us something we're looking for."

On the new entry ways and lighting at Tiger Stadium "They've dressed up a grand ol' girl, haven't they?"

When a caller said he was excited to see what new wrinkles Miles might come up with, he said "I can't wait to see me roll the dice, either. ... I bet you we throw a ball now and then."

On the battle for playing time among the Tigers' talented stable of running backs "We're going to move the ball to the guy who's carrying it well. ... They each have different skills."

On whom he thinks will replace Tyrann Mathieu: "I think there are a number of guys there who will play well and get better and better each week."

On Mettenberger: "As long as he's patient and performs and lets the game come to him, we'll be great."

When a caller asked Miles if LSU could be a No. 1 team, he didn't hesitate: "Yes. The answer is easy. The work is hard. ... There's an opportunity for this team to finish No. 1. ... If leaderships takes hold, I think this can be a very, very special fall."

On LSU's injury situation: "There won't be anybody that we'll miss" except freshman wide receiver Travin Dural, who will miss this season after knee surgery.